New needle valve question or problem?

[xray]

Does anybody open their needle valve all the way on their hose regulator?

The reason I ask is because I started my smoker this AM with a new Bayou Classic line w needle valve....I had the needle valve fully opened and you could hear the propane whooshing out. Being the idiot I am, I still lit the smoker and....KABOOM!!! Lol

I shut her down and started it again with the needle valve open 1/4 to 1/2 turn. It's working fine now....but should I be hearing the afterburners kick on when I start opening up the valve fully??

I have a MB XL 40"

 

[dirtsailor2003]

I can't think of any reason to open it fully unless you are looking to melt your smoker down.

What you need to do when starting is have the needle valve in the closed position. Set the control on the smoker to high or fully open. Slowly open the needle valve and light. Use needle valve to adjust the flame to the desired temp.

Yes if your valve is fully open you're going to get a jet engine running in your smoker.

 

[xray]

I can't think of any reason to open it fully unless you are looking to melt your smoker down.

What you need to do when starting is have the needle valve in the closed position. Set the control on the smoker to high or fully open. Slowly open the needle valve and light. Use needle valve to adjust the flame to the desired temp.

Yes if your valve is fully open you're going to get a jet engine running in your smoker.

Thanks for the quick reply Case.

I wasn't sure if it was normal or not. A hair difference makes between the flame going out and staying lit. 160 seems about the lowest I can go.

 

[SmokinAl]

The bad thing about propane smokers is the wind.

When your trying to smoke sausage for example & need to start out at very low temps.

Just the slightest breeze will blow the flame out. You have to be there to watch it all the time.

Al